Archive of entries posted by Mike Legeros

Chapel Hill’s First Fire Company – A Chronological Quandary

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The Chapel Hill Fire Department was established in 1896. Everybody knows that, right? Says so on their emblem. But what happens when historical records suggest, perhaps, something different? Let’s a look. Our story begins with a “visiting professor.” Enter local fire historian and CHFD friend Mike Legeros. Starting in late spring, he commenced a deep dive …

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Durham City/County Fire Merger

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July 1, 2018 Durham Fire Department, Expanded, In Service! See also this history chart. Cool things happened at 7:00 a.m. today. The city of Durham Fire Department activated two new stations (Page Road, Seaton Road), and a mess of new units and companies. Some are housed at temporary quarters, as Station 17 on Leesville Road …

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Durham City/County Fire Merger… Visualized!

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On July 1, 2018, Durham County Fire Rescue will consolidate with the Durham Fire Department. County personnel will transfer to the city, along with a number of apparatus and vehicles. And two county fire stations will become city stations.  Below a visual story of the merger. Includes both the pre-history of Bethesda and Parkwood, notes …

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Dispositions of Raleigh’s Retired Mini-Pumpers

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Raleigh received a pair of new mini-pumpers in February, a pair of 2017 Ford F-550/Knapheide/UPF/Foam Pro 250/250/10 units. Shown on left. They replaced a pair of 1986 Chevy brush trucks, which were retired. Shown on right.  Along with a 2005 Ford F-550/Reading/Slagle, the city’s three mini-pumpers are assigned to and cross-staffed by Squad 7, Squad …

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Wake County EMS System Family Tree – Updated

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With the coming closure of Apex EMS on June 30, 2018, here’s an updated version of my Wake County EMS System family tree. Includes numerous nips ‘n’ tucks as well, and a couple added notes about recent milestones.  Visualizes the origins of local ambulance and rescue services, from the original funeral home providers, to the …

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Long Beach, Yaupon Beach, Oak Island, Southport – History Notes

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Last updated 7:00 a.m., July 25 This posting is undergoing updates, with clarifications on the coming current changes, and as additional historical perspectives are added. News out of Brunswick County. Yaupon Beach Fire Department is dissolving, and transferring their assets to Southport Fire Department. Members of YBFD are also joining SFD. [ Previously reported as a …

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The Perils of Historical Shorthand

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Learned a good lesson the other day. I’ve long-used shorthand, for noting the concept of “one year or the next year.” For example, writing “the fire truck was a 1950 or 1951 Ford” as “the fire truck was a 1950-51 Ford.” No problem, right? But watch what happens here: 1950 – The fire department was organized. 1951 …

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Fraternity Fires in Chapel Hill – 1909 to 2001

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This posting was originally posted on Facebook, on the Chapel Hill Fire Department Retirees & History page. Every part of a community is invariably impacted by fire. And as the clock is turned back, toward simpler times with fewer priorities on life safety and fire prevention, the numbers of destructive blazes invariably rise. Here’s a list …

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